Farmed or wild-caught fish? It’s an issue that consumers consider for both health and environmental reasons. You might wonder which has more nutrients and which is better for fish populations and the oceans. Here’s some information you can use to source fish that’s right for you.
Health Impacts of Fish Consumption
Fish is generally considered dense in nutrients, rich in protein, and relatively low in sodium. Fish and shellfish are the main dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, as well as of bone-strengthening vitamin D. Some research has shown that fish consumption as part of a healthy diet may help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.
One of the main differences between farmed and wild-caught fish is their diet. Farmed fish are fed a high-fat, high-protein diet, while wild-caught fish eat a natural diet of krill, plankton, and small organisms (e.g., algae). While these differences can have an impact on a fish's nutritional value, it’s often a negligible difference. At the end of the day, both types of fish are important sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D and can be incorporated into a well-rounded diet.
Environmental Impacts of Wild-Caught Fish
Overfishing — or catching fish faster than they can reproduce — leads to a lack of genetic diversity, increased vulnerability to illness, and eventual extinction of the species, as well as a ripple effect in the food chain. If the food chain breaks at any level, all organisms in that chain are affected. Larger fish, like tuna, are top predators, so when they’re overfished, marine ecosystems suffer even more — smaller marine animals increase in numbers, causing algae overgrowth and eventual threats to coral reefs.
One-fifth of the world’s catch is illegal, unreported, or unregulated. And some fishing methods, though legal, are inherently damaging, even in moderation. The good news is there are fishing companies that care about the well-being of the oceans. To find fish that were caught sustainably, look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue label. The MSC is the world’s leading certification program for sustainable fisheries. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® provides recommendations and ratings on their website and app to help consumers choose fish that are fished in ways that support healthy oceans.
Environmental Impacts of Farmed Fish (Aquaculture)
The environmental impact of farm fishing can vary depending on species, methods, and location. If good practices are used, fish farming has little impact on the environment. Farmed shellfish, like clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels, typically have few negative environmental impacts. However, most aquaculture requires chemical treatments, which can create the potential for on-farm diseases and for chemicals to pollute the environment and affect passing wild fish.
To source from environmentally responsible fish farms, check out recommendations from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. You can also ask your local fishmonger about their sourcing practices. Ideally, they’d buy from closed, onshore fish farms that source sustainable feed and responsibly dispose of their byproducts. These have the least environmental impact.
Farmed Versus Wild-Caught: Which Is Better?
There’s no across-the-board answer to whether farmed or wild-caught fish are more nutritious or easier on the environment. What is clear, however, is that regardless of sourcing, both options provide beneficial nutrition. It’s likely that a consumer’s choice will depend upon budget and resources.
How SAGE Sources and Serves Fish
At SAGE, fish is one of many nutrient-dense options we serve our communities — and we love its versatility. Our Recipe Collection includes more than 200 fish dishes — from Red Curry Fish to Baja Fish Tacos and Smoky Pan-Seared Tilapia. Sourcing sustainably is important to us. We always do our best to abide by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch and to purchase from local suppliers with practices we’re proud of. We teach our communities about where their fish comes from and how it was farmed or caught — look for signs in the servery with fun and educational facts.
